FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
WITH PICTURES 
NOVEMBER 14, 2025 

FQM INVESTS K3.5M TO MODERNISE NORTH-WESTERN PROVINCIAL LIBRARY AND BOOST LITERACY 

SOLWEZI, ZAMBIA – First Quantum Minerals (FQM), through its Kansanshi Mine, has invested over K3.5 million to fully modernise the North-Western Provincial Library in Solwezi, delivering a safe, digital, and inclusive space aimed at strengthening literacy and education across the province. 

The modernised facility, officially handed over to the government, is part of a much larger set of infrastructure development projects being undertaken by the mining company that includes classroom blocks, clinics, renovation of Solwezi Technical Secondary school, Kimakolwe and Muyoya primary school, and a significant upcoming road-building project in Solwezi. 

Speaking during the handover, North-Western Province Minister Hon. Robert Liyefu, represented by Provincial Permanent Secretary Colonel Grandson Wishikoti Katambi (Rtd), praised FQM’s contribution, calling it “corporate social responsibility at its finest.” 

“First Quantum Minerals has not just renovated a building; they have renovated dreams and restored hope,” he said.  

The newly refurbished library features a modern structure with new roofing, improved flooring, upgraded ceilings, and brand-new furniture valued at K600,000. It is digitally equipped with 28 new computers offering high-speed internet, e-books, research databases, and online learning resources. A new ablution block and child-friendly reading spaces further enhance accessibility and comfort, with plans underway to extend weekend operating hours. 

The project forms part of the Kansanshi Education Quality Improvement Programme (KanEQuIP), FQM’s flagship initiative supporting teacher training, school infrastructure, and educational resources across the province. 

“At Kansanshi Mining, our success is inseparable from the success of our communities,” said the Kansanshi Mining General Manager Meiring Burger, represented by IT Manager Dr. Masyaleti Masyaleti. “This library is more than a building, it is a promise that knowledge is accessible and that learning is valued.” 

The Provincial Minister highlighted the importance of rekindling a reading culture, describing libraries as “fortresses of deep knowledge and sustained learning.” 

The library is expected to serve thousands of learners, educators, and community members, offering a safe and modern environment that promotes lifelong learning. 

Assistant Director of the Zambia Library Service, Sharon Munshya-Liato, noted that the renovation comes at a pivotal time following the approval of Zambia’s first National Library Policy in September 2025, which aims to expand digital resources, improve infrastructure, and strengthen professional development for librarians. 

-Ends- 


About First Quantum Minerals Ltd 
First Quantum Minerals Ltd is a global metals and mining company producing mainly copper, gold and nickel. The company’s assets are in Zambia, Spain, Mauritania, Australia, Finland, Turkey, Panama, Argentina and Peru.
In 2024, First Quantum globally produced 431,000 tonnes of copper, 139,000 ounces of gold and 24,000 tonnes of nickel.
In Zambia it operates the Kansanshi mine and smelter in Solwezi, and the Sentinel copper mine and the Enterprise nickel mine in Kalumbila.
The company is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
http://www.first-quantum.com/

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